Medical supplies worth Rs45m stolen from PIC

Four employees arrested after high-value cardiac stents and disposables pilfered from store

PESHAWAR:

Authorities at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC), a leading public-sector facility specializing in heart treatments, have uncovered a significant theft from its main store, involving valuable medical supplies worth more than Rs45 million.

Hospital administration acted swiftly upon discovery, registering a First Information Report with police and forming an internal inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. Four employees assigned to the main store have been suspended, arrested, and handed over to law enforcement for legal proceedings. Departmental action against them has also commenced.

Sources revealed that the theft came to light during a routine stock verification at the central store. A large quantity of high-value disposable medical items, essential for treating cardiac patients, including those used in angioplasty procedures and other critical interventions, were found missing. Preliminary estimates place the total value of the stolen goods at approximately Rs4.5 crore, though the final figure will be confirmed after a complete audit and detailed inquiry.

The stolen equipment reportedly included expensive stents and other disposable devices procured by the government for free or subsidized treatment of heart patients. Investigators believe the theft was carried out with meticulous planning and expertise: the perpetrators allegedly opened sealed boxes, removed the valuable items, and resealed them carefully, allowing the crime to go undetected for an extended period.

According to initial findings, the pilfered supplies were allegedly sold in various parts of Peshawar. The investigation is examining multiple angles to determine whether other hospital staff or external networks were involved.

Hospital spokesperson Rafaqat Anjum confirmed the developments, stating that the four implicated employees have been dismissed from service and handed over to police following their involvement in the theft. "Strict action will be taken in accordance with the law once the investigations conclude," she said. She emphasized that, despite the unfortunate incident, hospital operations and patient care services have remained unaffected, with no disruption to medical facilities for those in need.

Efforts are continuing to trace where the stolen equipment was sold. Anjum added that all individuals connected to the case will be presented before the media in due course. To prevent future occurrences, the hospital is strengthening store management, monitoring systems, and audit procedures.

The incident has raised concerns about internal accountability at public health institutions providing specialized cardiac care. The PIC, known for offering advanced treatments including complex heart surgeries, serves patients from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. Authorities have assured that the probe will be comprehensive to safeguard public resources meant for life-saving care.